Wallabies star reveals the inspiration behind his decision to make NFL switch
Jordan Petaia poses with an American Football ahead of his NFL switch.
Wallabies utility back Jordan Petaia is looking forward to the challenge of chasing his dream when he joins the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) camp in January.
Earlier this week it was revealed that, just like former Wales speedster Louis Rees-Zammit, the 24-year-old is keen on making the code switch by joining the (IPP).
His decision came as a shock to many as there is plenty of interest in Australia ahead of next year’s highly anticipated three-Test series between the Wallabies and British & Irish Lions in the two-time world champions’ backyard.
Petaia has made 31 appearances for the Wallabies since making his Test debut at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan but his career has been blighted by injuries.
Missed all the Wallabies’ Tests in 2024 due to injury
He made no appearances for the Wallabies this year as he was sidelined due to a shoulder injury which ruled him out of the latter stages of the Reds’ 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
However, he has put that setback behind him and is now fully focused on making the switch to American football and revealed that he has had an affection for the NFL since he was a boy when he watched games with his father, Seiuli Salatielu Petaia, who passed away from a heart attack in 2020.
“When the opportunity presented itself, I definitely didn’t want to just put away to the side,” he told Nine’s Wide World of Sports.
“You can’t stay young forever. It is definitely something I felt I probably would have regret if I didn’t try it. My old man used to let us stay home from school for the Super Bowl. I used to love those days and spending time together watching the game.”
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The IPP gives elite athletes from around the world the chance to earn a spot on an NFL roster and increase the number of international players in the league.
Heading to Florida in January
From January, Petaia will stay at the IMG Academy in Florida to get him up to speed with his new sports code.
He is hoping to follow a similar path to another Australian, Jordan Mailata, who is his country’s most successful IPP graduate and currently plying his trade as an offensive tackle with the NFL outfit Philadelphia Eagles.
In April, Mailata signed a new NFL contract in April deal worth $100 million.
“I definitely took inspiration from that, you know. It gave me confidence to have a go and take the opportunity,” Petaia said.
“I’ve followed the NFL since I was a kid. Trying American football is something I’ve always thought about. I’d kick myself if I didn’t have a shot because I don’t want any regrets.
“Now is the right time.”